Ask a doctor about that one

Q: Yesterday I used a spray gun with a compressor to spray latex paint for about four hours in a hall and two small bedrooms. I didn’t wear a mask, but it didn’t seem to bother me at all. However, when I was cleaning up, my nose started bleeding profusely. I got the bleeding to stop and then coughed up a couple of clots of blood, which I assume was from the nosebleed.

This morning, I woke up with a tremendous headache, nausea, chills, low-grade fever and maybe even a little shortness of breath. I stayed home from work, but I’m not sure if I’ve got some type of virus or if this is from exposure to the paint fumes. What do you think? — Mary J., via e-mail

A: Honestly, I think your doctor can give you the best information as to whether your symptoms were caused by paint fumes or something else — like a cold or the flu. Anytime you feel lousy or have unusual symptoms during or after a home-improvement project involving chemicals, you should contact your family doctor and describe the symptoms. He or she may want to examine you in order to rule out any serious problems and to treat the symptoms.

If you have severe symptoms, such as extreme dizziness, nausea or vomiting, trouble breathing or chest pain, or if you notice someone having these symptoms or having difficulty responding or speaking, call 911 immediately.

With latex paints or any other chemicals — including seemingly mild cleaning solvents — caution should always be taken to minimize exposure. The space in which they are used should be well-ventilated, and wear gloves to protect your skin. When using materials that produce heavy fumes, cover your mouth and nose with either a paper mask or, ideally, a respirator, and wear goggles to prevent eye irritation.